PRATTVILLE – The idea of an overpass in Prattville’s South Industrial Park has long been passed over, but by mid-2017 dirt should be moving on the project.

The city’s budget sets aside $8 million for the construction of a new entry road and bridge over the railroad tracks to improve access to the 381-acre tract, which is between County Road 4 and Doster Road.

Engineers are at work drawing up preliminary plans, said Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. He expects work to begin by mid to late summer, barring any unforeseen hiccups. Construction is expected to take about two years.

“This is a very worthwhile project,” Gillespie said. “One of the main goals of government is to create an environment where private enterprise can thrive. This project will make our south industrial park much more attractive and marketable.”

The park is served by two rail lines, which makes it attractive in its own right for industry. The problem is companies may pass over the park during selection, because shipping would be delayed throughout the day by rail traffic.

The bridge over the tracks solves that problem.

The idea of an overpass first came to light during the late David Whetstone Jr.’s first administration in the early 1990s. It’s been on subsequent administrations’ wish lists but was overlooked, primarily due to lack of funding or more pressing economic development projects.